Suspect Assaults Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper

On Thursday, a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper stopped a vehicle at milepost 92 on Interstate 80, just east of Green River for a speeding violation at approximately 07:45 a.m.

During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspected there might be other criminal activity. The driver was detained and in the process, he tried to run away. He ran out into traffic trying to evade the trooper. Once the trooper caught up with the suspect a fight ensued, where the man tried to grab the trooper's handgun.

While this was going on, a member of the public stopped along the interstate to help the trooper. Another trooper arrived shortly thereafter. With the help of the citizen, and the other trooper, the suspect was taken into custody.

Both the officer and the suspect had minor injuries when it was all over. The citizen was not hurt. The suspect received medical clearance and was taken to the Sweetwater County Detention Center for further processing.

It was later discovered that vehicle contained approximately 74 lbs. of marijuana and approximately 1 gram of cocaine. The Division of Criminal Investigation has been asked to help with the investigation.